Student Profile Allana

Experiential learning 

After spending her first two years building foundational knowledge in Chemical and Bioengineering, Allana put theory into practice by completing a summer research work-study with one of her professors. In this experience, she worked in her professor's lab at the Southern Ontario Centre for Atmospheric Aerosol Research (SOCAAR), studying different biomes to assess air quality in and around food trucks and food courts. Through her work, she learned data analysis skills, how to code in python, how to visualize data, and what field researching is like. 
 

Pursing another work-integrated learning experience, she later participated in the Engineering faculty's Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-op program after her third year. For this year-long job, she worked at Environment and Climate Change Canada, focusing on climate change mitigation programming. Her work included assessing multi-million dollar proposals, which would fund initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She credits the Engineering faculty for promoting networking opportunities prior to the PEY year and offering resume and interview prep services. 
 

Extracurricular involvement 

Outside of the classroom, Allana found social and enrichment opportunities through captaining the intramural Engineering vollyball team, participating in "Sumo Robots" (a design competition club), joining the Indigenous Engineering Community Discord and attending their events, and working as an Indigenous campus tour guide. She says these experiences enhanced her skillset and introduced her to some of her best friends. 
 

Finding community 

Through spaces like the St. George campus's First Nations House (FNH), Allana has been able to connect with other Indigenous students, find a home on campus and of course take advantage of the free food. She's also enjoyed joining groups like the Indigenous Engineering Community Discord, going for lunches and participating in beading circles with the group. Her advice to future or incoming students is to find the balance between academics and socializing, as investing in yourself and your happiness also helps you in your career.